staff
James Johnson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORI grew up in the Minneapolis area and was the first in my family to go to college. I graduated from Wheaton College (IL) where I met my wife Corrie. We lived in Santa Ana, CA for 20 years. My background is in community-based cross-cultural ministries, volunteer-driven non-profit organizations, and higher education institutions where my focus has been on preparing middle and high school students for college success. I earned a Master’s of Education from Azusa Pacific University in 2007.
My family moved back to the Chicago area three years ago. We have two children and live in Glen Ellyn. My passions include educational equity, Latinx youth and families and I am excited to serve as the Executive Director of CREO DuPage because of the opportunity to reconnect with people who share Latinx cultures, food, and value hospitality. Yo CREO!
james.johnson@creodupage.org(708) 232-3132
Dulce C Torres
PROGRAM DIRECTORAs a first-generation college student with a bachelor's degree in mathematics, I know first-hand how hard it can be to cross the undergraduate finish line. After working in the corporate world for a few years, I began to know deep down that I wanted to make a more direct impact on our future generation.
I started at CREO as a volunteer, then became the first staff. I was excited to be driving the work at CREO as the Program Organizer. Now as the Program Director, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to work with motivated students and witness their success while cheering them on! I’m proud to be working with everyone who makes CREO what it is today!
dulce.torres@creodupage.org(630) 984-0244
Katerine Torres
PROGRAM ASSISTANT IAs a young educated Latina I have faced several obstacles leading to receiving my Associates in Computer Science. One of the main obstacles was trying to figure out how to make it to and through college. I believe that all the good and bad that has happened has paved my way to where I am today.
Starting out as an Intern and being promoted to Program Assistant has assured my beliefs that with hard work we will prevail. I enjoy the work I do at CREO because I relate to both parents and students. As I look at my daughter I see all the opportunities she will have and that’s what keeps me going. I am grateful that I work for an organization that aligns with my beliefs and supports my community.
katerine.torres@creodupage.org(630) 984-0244Volunteers
Advisory Council
carol McElvain | Fernando reyes | INES TORRES | KARINA RODRIGUEZ
JANET CONSTIEN | JOYCE FLETCHER | MICHELLE ROMAN-GARCIA | MIGUEL BRIONES
Advisors
Joyce Fletcher
Lead AdvisorI’m an enthusiastic advocate for learning and for students of diverse ages and backgrounds. With over 30 years of counseling experience at the university, college, and community college level providing educational, career and personal counseling, I am a firm believer in encouraging every student to dream big, reach high, and achieve. I hold M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees in counseling and higher education. I also serve in the CREO Advisory Council.
Janet Constien
Advisor, Senior EffortsPrior to retiring, Janet Constien served as a professional educator in DuPage County high schools. Her roles included English teacher, department chair, assistant principal and principal. She has always valued engaging students in learning and helping them identify their gifts and talents. Janet enjoys local, national and international travel with her husband, Bill. She also appreciates spending time with her five grandchildren. Janet serves in the CREO Advisory Council.